Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park National Park

Address: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (north of Kathmandu; common access via Sundarijal), Bagmati Province, Nepal

Website: https://dnpwc.gov.np

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a protected forested area north of Kathmandu in Bagmati Province, established to conserve watershed forests and biodiversity on the hills overlooking the city. It protects the Shivapuri and Nagarjun ridge systems and is one of the nearest substantial natural areas to Kathmandu.

Trails lead to Shivapuri Peak (about 2,732 metres) and to Baghdwar, a well-known spring and watershed source for Kathmandu; the park also contains the Nagarjun forest and several Buddhist monasteries including Nagi Gumba. Many routes are day hikes from the city and offer views over Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley on clear days.

The park was designated to protect the watershed that supplies Kathmandu and to conserve remnant montane forests and wildlife. Over time it has become an important recreational resource for residents and a location for environmental education and scientific monitoring.

Geographically the park sits on the rim north of central Kathmandu, within the forested hills of the Kathmandu Valley’s northern boundary, making it easily reachable from the city by short drives to trailheads.

• Proximity to Kathmandu: Located immediately north of Kathmandu city - the park boundary is roughly 10 kilometres from central Kathmandu, making it a very accessible day-hiking destination.
• Best seasons: Best times for hiking and clear views are late autumn and spring; trails can be wet and slippery during the summer monsoon.

What to See#

• Baghdwar (water source): Source headwaters and a popular trail terminus that supplies water to Kathmandu; a clear spring site and short hiking routes from the northern rim of the capital.
• Shivapuri Peak (2,732 m): Highest summit inside the park, rising to about 2,732 metres and providing panoramic views over Kathmandu on clear days.
• Nagarjun forest and Nagi Gumba: Forested area on the western side that includes the Nagarjun Buddhist monastery complex and several marked trekking paths used by city hikers.

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is immediately north of Kathmandu. From central Kathmandu you can reach common trailheads (Sundarijal and Budhanilkantha) by local bus or taxi; Sundarijal is a frequently used start point for hikes. Depending on traffic the drive is typically under an hour, and from the Sundarijal bus stop/parking the park entrances and hiking trails begin within a short walk (around 5-20 minutes).

• Start from the Sundarijal trailhead early in the morning-it's the most popular access for Shivapuri Peak and Baghdwar and early starts avoid both crowds and the mid‑day cloud buildup.
• Use the park checkpost at the entrance to register and confirm trail conditions or closures before setting off; rangers can point out less‑used routes that avoid the busiest stretches.
• If you want quieter viewpoints over Kathmandu, take the Nagarjun/Budhanilkantha approaches rather than the main Sundarijal loop-many day visitors miss the valley panoramas along those side trails.